Varnish, shellac, lacquer, and paint all have their own strengths and their advocates. Of course, the trick is choosing the right finish and applying it correctly to a surface that has been properly prepared. That's what this collection of 30 articles from Fine Woodworking will help you do.

In addition to explaining how different finishes are applied, you'll learn how to remove finishes, how to mix and use stains and other wood colorants, and how to rub out a finish to perfection. In all, the articles will give you the confidence to broaden your finishing repertoire.

Also see: Finishes and Finishing Techniques

Introduction

Brushing On a Finish

Choosing a Finish

A Hand-Rubbed Oil Finish

Making a Case for Varnish

Water-Base Finishes

Padding On Shellac

Waterborne Finishes: Friendlier than Ever

Auto-Body Tips for Fine Finishes

Sealers: Secret for Finishing Success

Padding Lacquer

Two-Day Lustrous Oil Finish

French Polishing for Restoration Work

Mix Your Own Oil Stains

Rubbing Out a Finish

Taking the Spray-Finish Plunge

Which Spray System is Right for You?

Turbine Spray Systems

Vacuum Motor Turns Into a Spray Rig

Removing an Old Finish

Spray Finishing Done Right

Milk Paint

Better Painted Furniture

Changing the Color of Wood

For Vibrant Color, Use Wood Dyes

Glazes and Toners Add Color and Depth

Achieving a Convinvcing Antique Painted Finish

Burning In Invisible Repairs

Paint-Grade Cabinets

Fill the Grain for a Glass-Smooth Finish

Finishing Brushes

Index

An article in an early issue of Fine Woodworking sang the praises of a simple wood finish you could mix up in a Mason jar and slop on with a rag. It consisted of turpentine, varnish and boiled linseed oil, ingredients available at most any hardware store. As the author pointed out, this home brew is easy to mix, easy to apply, and gives wood a pleasing, burnished glow. It is a finish that's almost impossible to screw up, and that alone helped make it my first and only choice for a long time.

Eventually I realized I was missing a lot by not learning how to use different kinds of finish. Varnish, shellac, lacquer, and paint all have their own strengths and their advocates. Of course the trick is in choosing the right finish and applying it correctly to a surface that has been properly prepared. That's what this collection of articles from Fine Woodworking will help you do.

In more than two dozen articles, authors explore the many finish choices that woodworkers can learn to enjoy. In addition to explaining how different finishes are applied, these experts explain finish removal and repair, how to mix and use stains and other wood colorants, and how to rub out a finish to glassy perfection. Whatever your usual finish of choice, these articles will give you the confidence to broaden your finishing repertoire.

-- Scott Gibson, editor